The dining table was left behind in a slow shuffle of movement, chairs scraping softly against the tiled floor as one by one, the family members slipped away into their various post-dinner routines.
Laughter from Joshua and Miracle echoed faintly down the hallway.
Jordan had retreated with Stephanie's card in hand.
Miriam had immediately retreated as well
Only Mr. Udeh remained seated at the head of the table, arms crossed, gaze far away, yet tethered to something unresolved as he watched the last of the plates being cleared.
Timothy followed behind the others, plates in hand, and walked beside Stephanie.
They made their way toward the kitchen in silence, the tension from earlier still lingering, but softened now diluted by warm food and shared effort.
The kitchen, once within view, reminded Timothy exactly where he stood.
It was unlike anything he had seen outside television screens or high-budget apartment listings online.
